Eco-project encourages consumers to re-use

21/04/2009

A new project is encouraging people to swap unwanted items in a bid to encourage "re-commerce" and help avoid unwanted materials going to landfill.

Backed by Swaptree.com, the initiative will be timed to coincide with Earth Day and will also involve trees being planted across the Atlantic Forest in Brazil - a location that is currently on the endangered list.

The website notes that one of the best things people can do if they want to start doing their bit for the planet is to make sure unwanted products do not go to waste.

As such, the organisation is hoping to plant 10,000 trees in one day by making a donation to The Nature Conservancy every time someone utilises its online service.

Greg Boesel, co-founder of Swaptree.com, said "Earth Day is all about promoting a healthy, sustainable environment ... we believe we can easily reach our goal of funding the planting of 10,000 trees in one day."

Those looking to ensure their used mobile phones find a good home may find they can exchange them for cash online.